§ 22. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport if, in view of the progress now being made in America with concrete roads, whether he has received any official reports showing that the system of construction is satisfactory and economical; and whether, in that case, he proposes to recommend it for general adoption in this country?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware of the wide use of concrete roads in America and of the results claimed. Grants are made from the Road Fund towards the construction in the United Kingdom of concrete roads where circumstances favour that method, but it is not part of my policy to recommend systems of road construction for general adoption throughout the country.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs it not the fact that such reinforced concrete roads as have been constructed in this country are satisfactory, and that they have a very much longer life than the ordinary macadam roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI would rather wait a little longer and see how they turn out before expressing a definite opinion.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHave we not better roads than America or any other country in the world?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think the hon. Member is quite accurate.
§ Mr. J. HOPE SIMPSONWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how the price of concrete roads compares with the price of tar macadam roads?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt depends on how long they last.